What is Pilates?
The Pilates method of exercise was created by Joseph Pilates, the son of a gymnast and a naturopath in the 1960’s. He refined and practised his method during World War I as a form of rehabilitation for soldiers.
At this time the purpose of Pilates was to aid soldiers in regaining their health through strengthening, stretching and stabilising key muscles. Pilates believed that mental and physical health were essential to one another, creating what is a method of total body conditioning.
Joseph was quoted as saying “When I am dead, they’ll say ‘he was right’. I’m fifty years ahead of my time” And he was right! Exercise science has now caught up to the principles that Joseph Pilates has been teaching all along.
Benefits of Pilates
Conditioning from head to toe and everything in between Pilates has many wonderful benefits for the body and mind.
The combination of elongating and strengthening the body, improving muscle elasticity, flexibility and joint control results in a balanced body and a happy healthy you.
- Develop a strong back and core (abdominals)
- Gain long lean muscles
- Increased flexibility
- Evenly conditioned body
- Prevent injuries from unbalanced muscle groups
- Learn how to move efficiently
- Healing Easily modified – If you are after something gentle or a real challenge
- Pilates has something for you
Pilates is also great for our insides too! It has a positive effect on majority of our body systems, stimulating and eliminating toxins and waste.
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular/circulatory health
- Digestive system
- Strengthening the immune system
Pilates for Weight Loss
With regular practice Pilates will transform the way you look and feel.
Pilates can help to build and maintain lean muscle mass, which is a great way to increase your body’s calorie burning potential.
Pilates also helps create better posture and spinal alignment by firming the core and back muscles – standing up tall is a great step to looking thinner!
